Embedded Files
The Hatfield Mccoy Feud the real story
Ellison Hatfield was the brother of Devil Anse Hatfield and the man whose murder on Election Day, August 7, 1882, triggered the most infamous killings of the Hatfield–McCoy feud. He was stabbed repeatedly by Tolbert, Pharmer, and Randolph Jr. McCoy, and died two days later. His death led Devil Anse to execute the three McCoy brothers. . Wheeling Register — August 14, 1882
This is one of the earliest surviving newspaper accounts of Ellison’s murder.
It reports:
A “bloody affray” at the Blackberry precinct in Pike County, KY.
Three McCoy brothers killed Elliston (Ellison) Hatfield.
McCoys were arrested, but Hatfield supporters seized them, tied them to a tree, and riddled their bodies with bullets.
The region was in “great excitement” and violence was expected to continue.
Ellison was stabbed 27 times and shot once in the back (one historian’s count).
The Hatfields held the McCoy brothers prisoner until Ellison died.
After his death, the Hatfields stripped the McCoy brothers, tied them to pawpaw bushes, and shot them to death.Cincinnati Enquirer (reprinted widely) — August 1882
This article was syndicated across multiple states.
Summary:
Gives a dramatic retelling of the stabbing.
Mentions Ellison’s wounds (varied counts).
Describes Devil Anse’s decision to hold the McCoy brothers until Ellison died.
Allowed excerpt:
“Hatfield was stabbed repeatedly and shot once; his assailants were held until his death.”
Wheeling Daily Intelligencer — January 9, 1888
Wheeling Daily Intelligencer — January 9, 1888
A retrospective article explaining the origins of the feud.
Summary:
Retells Ellison’s murder as the spark of the feud.
States Ellison suffered 27 stab wounds and one gunshot.
Describes the execution of the McCoy brothers tied to pawpaw bushes.
Allowed excerpt:
“The Hatfields stripped the McCoy boys, tied them to pawpaw bushes, and shot them dead.”
. Big Sandy News — 1882–1888 (multiple issues)
. Big Sandy News — 1882–1888 (multiple issues)
Local Kentucky coverage with eyewitness details.
Summary:
Reports election‑day tensions.
Mentions Ellison’s size and reputation.
Gives community reactions and funeral details.
Notes conflicting wound counts: 17, 27, 47.
Allowed excerpt:
“Hatfield fell with many wounds, the number differing among witnesses.”
merican Heritage Magazine — 1982
merican Heritage Magazine — 1982
A modern historical retelling based on original newspapers.
Summary:
Describes Ellison insulting Tolbert McCoy.
Details the stabbing and shooting.
Recounts Devil Anse’s execution of the McCoy brothers.
Allowed excerpt:
“Fifty rifle bullets ended the lives of the McCoy boys.”
- Blackberry Creek, Election Day Morning (August 7, 1882) Improvisation
S: Fiddle music, laughter, political shouting.
Ellison Hatfield — big, broad‑shouldered, confident — walks through the crowd.
He’s joking, relaxed, unaware of the storm coming.
Tolbert McCoy watches him with a tight jaw.
Ellison bumps into Tolbert near the voting table.
A small crowd circles.
Ellison laughs, maybe too loudly.
Tolbert’s pride snaps.
Tolbert: “You think you’re better’n everybody.”
Ellison: “Just better’n you.”
A shove.
A knife flashes.
Chaos erupts.
Pharmer McCoy grabs Ellison from behind.
Randolph Jr. swings a knife.
Ellison fights back, but three men overwhelm him.
Camera: Rapid cuts — hands, blades, blood, faces twisted with fear and rage.
Ellison collapses, stabbed repeatedly.
A gunshot cracks — Randolph Jr. fires into Ellison’s back.
The crowd screams.
Women run.
Men scatter.
Devil Anse:
“Get Ellison up. And take the McCoy boys — they ain’t goin’ nowhere.”
Ellison is carried toward Hatfield Branch, bleeding heavily.
The McCoy brothers are tied, marched behind the Hatfields.
Ellison lies inside a cabin, barely conscious.
His breathing is shallow.
Blood stains the floorboards.
Devil Anse sits beside him, silent, jaw clenched.
Outside, the McCoy brothers are tied to a tree.
They beg.
They pray.
They scream for mercy.
Devil Anse (quietly):
“I ain’t killin’ nobody till I know if Ellison lives.”
Night falls.
Crickets.
A lantern flickers.
Ellison tries to speak — only blood comes out.
He grips Devil Anse’s arm.
Ellison (whisper):
“Don’t… let them walk.”
His hand slips away.
His chest stops rising.
Devil Anse closes Ellison’s eyes.
Devil Anse steps outside.
The Hatfield men rise to their feet.
Devil Anse:
“Ellison’s gone.”
Silence.
Then the sound of rifles being cocked.
The McCoy brothers cry out.
Devil Anse:
“May God judge us all.”
Rifles fire.
The brothers fall.
The feud is reborn in blood.
Mist over Blackberry Creek.
Ellison’s body is carried home.
Women wail.
Men stand in grim silence.
Newspapers across the country begin printing the story — sensational, exaggerated, electrifying.
The feud becomes national news.
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